Conservation of Natural Resources

Priest Lake State Park – Idaho

State parks give much more intricate contributions than the less obvious role they play in the conservation of natural resources. An astounding 9,044,416 acres of precious land make up the 2,215 state parks across America. Collectively, these acres boast more than 42,000 miles of trails and over 200,000 campsites.

For generations, these parks have preserved historic sites, landmarks, recreation areas, long-distance trails and of course natural beauty. Besides protection of these myriad iconic places, the state parks serve a much broader, more intangible purpose. In a way, the parks serve as a steward to the country’s greatest treasures.

Above and beyond providing the public access to these natural resources, the parks aim to educate citizens about these special places that remain unbound by urban encroachment.The simplest way for our country to participate in the conservation of these natural resources starts with individuals finding a way to connect personally. By providing avenues for programs and services, state parks encourage visitors to discover and explore these precious lands for themselves.

Places of beauty are nature’s canvas for the memories that make up our lives. We can be reminded what’s most important in our world by looking in our own backyard. In that sense, state parks allow us to connect nationally on a local level. Each generation is confronted with the challenge of considering our future generations, a concept that isn’t necessarily in our nature as humans.

State parks are dedicated to conserving natural resources in hopes to harvest rewards that transcend the here and now. These efforts to educate citizens and encourage interaction with the parks are intended to secure a space for future generations to experience them the way we are able to today. Fortunately, they have been bequeathed to us by past generations that were visionary enough to recognize a special place and keep it protected.

Many of the early parks and preservation projects accomplished in the United States were through legislative acts by
the states. There was recognition of this growing responsibility in a relatively new field of public service. It
was through early successes that such American landmarks as Niagara Falls, the California redwoods, and the San
Jacinto battleground were saved for prosperity. A few years later, guided by Stephen Mather, the first National
Conference on [State] Parks to promote state and other public parks was conceived, organized, convened and actively
supported by practically every park and conservation luminary in the country. Held in Des Moines, Iowa in January
1921, it brought together some 200 highly motivated delegates and ignited a “prairie fire” for the development of
public parks across America. From the success of this auspicious convocation of modest beginnings grew a national
state park movement that has achieved unimaginable success.11Adapted from The State Park Movement in America by Ney Landrum

America’s State Parks today include more than 2,200 traditional state parks and more than 8,100 additional
areas that provide wonderful outdoor recreation experiences and unique historical, scientific and environmental
education opportunities. Eighteen and one-half million acres provide for grand diversity – from the vastness of a
half-million acre mountainous landscape, to the colorful intricacies of a living coral reef, to the world’s longest
stalactite formation, to the tallest sand on the Atlantic seaboard, to the historic locations where European
settlers first came to America, and much more. This mosaic of the natural resources and cultural fabric of America
and the splendor of its beauty are enjoyed by 791 million visitors to state parks annually. Both remote and resort
in their offerings, America’s State Parks are indeed yours to explore and experience.

Now, as during the past century and the beginning of the state park movement, the support of partners are invaluable
to success of parks. America’s State Parks have long been recognized their accessibility, and for
their effectiveness and management efficiencies.

Support from individuals, friends groups and corporate America are central to continuing to provide and advance quality
outdoor recreation experiences and opportunities in America’s State Parks and safeguard their importance to the
nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.